How To Obtain Instant Popularity

In today's world of online social media, it seems that so much emphasis is placed on popularity.  Everyone is in search of clicks, likes, followers, etc.  Perhaps it just boils down to our need to be loved.

  Finally, after 65 years of living, I have unlocked the secret to instant popularity.  I'm sure that I am not the only one to have stumbled upon this secret - and today I am going to share that secret with you.

It's easy... all you need is a backyard flock of chickens!

Every day, when I drive the gator to the chicken yard, I am greeted by forty-odd friends who come running to me as if I am the most wonderful person in the world.

I'm not, of course, but my chickens think that I am.  Actually, they think that about anyone who drives the gator up to their yard.  To them, the gator means yummy treats.  And so, because we are the bringers of the treats, we are wildly popular in the chicken yard!

Now, the same does not apply with runner ducks.  Runner ducks do nothing to improve one's self esteem.  Every time they see me, they turn on their heels and run the opposite direction.  I'm not one of the "in" crowd to them.

All kidding aside, though, any trip to the barn holds the potential for love and affection.

Yesterday brought a change in the weather.  The heat and humidity were gone, and we enjoyed a lovely cooler day. Sadly, though, we have had no rain.  I sparingly watered the garden yesterday morning and picked these tomatoes and peppers.

If you are growing basil, then chances are, it is beginning to flower.  Now is the time to cut back your basil, removing all flower buds.  This helps to promote more leafy growth and will keep your basil productive for the whole summer.  Cutting it back every 2 to 3 weeks will keep it from flowering, going to seed, and dying.

Elsewhere in the garden the rest of the mint family has flowered, and pollinators are quite busy.  (Basil is part of the mint family, and shares the characteristic square shaped stem of this family.)

The mint was loaded with these… bristle flies.

A blue-winged wasp...